Mount Vernon City School District Celebrates College Day

From Mount Vernon City School District:

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. - Mount Vernon City School District celebrated its senior students who are going on to college with its first ever College Day on April 26. The Class of 2016 received acceptances from 122 colleges across the nation. The student body wore the colors of their future or prospective colleges. District staff took part by wearing the colors of the colleges they attended.

The celebration was a spinoff of First Lady Michelle Obama’s designation of April 26 as National College Signing Day. The White House hopes to establish a tradition of celebrating students going to college in the same way athletes and celebrities have historically been celebrated.

“We are very proud of our students who have worked hard and are furthering their educations, whether it be at a community college, four year university, or vocational training” said Mount Vernon City Schools Superintendent Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton. “This celebration was an opportunity to show our students just how much we value their commitment to higher education.”

Nellie A. Thornton High School Senior Joyce Matagaro celebrated her acceptance and full scholarship to New York University, where she’ll begin studying biomedical education in the fall. Joyce moved to the United States from Kenya when she was 10 years old. She and her brother are the first members of her family to attend college.

“We’re extremely proud of Joyce. She’s worked very hard for this accomplishment,’ said Principal Sharon Bradley. “She’s one of our best and brightest, and we expect great things from her.”

The Mount Vernon City School District Website will feature students of the Class of 2016 and their accomplishments weekly leading up to graduation.

Picture 1: Students celebrating College Day at Nellie A. Thornton High School

Picture 2: Nellie A. Thornton High School Senior Joyce Matagaro

About Mount Vernon City School District

With more than 8,000 students in 16 schools, the Mount Vernon City School District is committed to providing a quality education to its children as well as developing programs that meet the diverse academic and social needs of its students.